Many vs. More — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 15, 2024
"Many" refers to a large number of items or a high frequency of occurrences, emphasizing quantity, while "more" is a comparative term used to indicate a greater quantity or degree in relation to another set of items or values.
Difference Between Many and More
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Many" is used to describe a substantial number or amount of something, typically used in contexts where the quantity is large but unspecified. Whereas "more" is comparative and is used to describe an increase in quantity, quality, or degree when compared to another subject or object.
When discussing quantity, "many" can be applied to countable nouns, suggesting a large group or number, such as "many people" or "many books." On the other hand, "more" indicates a relative increase and can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns, like "more water" or "more chairs."
In usage, "many" is often used in questions and negative constructions to highlight the extent of quantity, such as in "How many people attended?" or "Not many people attended." While "more" is frequently utilized to emphasize an additional need or surplus, as in "We need more time" or "Add more sugar."
The term "many" aligns with absolute expressions of quantity that do not necessarily require a comparison to be understood, focusing simply on the idea of a large amount. Conversely, "more" always involves a comparison, either stated or implied, and it reflects a relative measure rather than an absolute one.
Grammatically, "many" functions as a quantifier that can modify nouns directly, generally plural nouns, to express numerosity. "More," however, can function as an adjective, adverb, or pronoun, and its use is flexible across different grammatical structures to denote an increase or excess in comparison to another element.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to a large number
Indicates a greater amount or degree
Usage
Absolute quantity
Comparative quantity
Examples
"Many books" (large number)
"More books than before" (comparative)
Grammatical Role
Quantifier for countable nouns
Can be adjective, adverb, or pronoun
Function
Emphasizes volume
Emphasizes increase or comparison
Compare with Definitions
Many
Commonly used in interrogative and negative sentences.
How many times do I have to tell you?
More
Used to indicate an increase or excess in quantity, degree, or extent.
I need more time to finish the work.
Many
Applies to plural nouns, emphasizing a considerable quantity.
She has visited many countries.
More
Implies a comparison, whether explicit or implicit.
He has more books than she does.
Many
Does not imply a comparison to another quantity.
There are many solutions to this problem.
More
Can function in various grammatical roles.
She wants to travel more.
Many
Used to indicate a large number of items or occurrences.
Many people attended the concert.
More
Often used in contexts of addition or growth.
As he practiced, he became more confident.
Many
Focuses on the idea of numerosity or abundance.
Many students find calculus challenging.
More
Greater in number
A hall with more seats.
Many
Amounting to or consisting of a large indefinite number
Many friends.
More
Greater in size, amount, extent, or degree
More land.
More support.
Many
Being one of a large indefinite number; numerous
Many a child.
Many another day.
More
Additional; extra
She needs some more time.
Many
The majority of the people; the masses
"The many fail, the one succeeds" (Tennyson).
More
A greater or additional quantity, number, degree, or amount
The more I see of you the more I like you.
Many
A large indefinite number
A good many of the workers had the flu.
More
To or in a greater extent or degree
Loved him even more.
Many
An indefinite large number of.
Not many such people enjoyed playing chess.
There are very many different ways to cook a meal.
More
Used to form the comparative of many adjectives and adverbs
More difficult.
More softly. See Usage Note at perfect.
Many
(in combinations such as 'as many', 'so many', 'this many') Used to indicate, demonstrate or compare the number of people or things.
We don't need this many bananas. Put some back.
There may be as many as ten million species of insect.
I don't have as many friends as my sister does.
More
In addition
Phoned twice more.
Many
An indefinite large number of people or things.
Many are called, but few are chosen.
More
Moreover; furthermore.
Many
A multitude; a great aggregate; a mass of people; the generality; the common herd.
Democracy must balance the rights of the few against the will of the many.
More
Comparative of many
There are more ways to do this than I can count.
Many
A considerable number.
More
Senseid|en|comparative form of much}} {{comparative of much
There's more caffeine in my coffee than in the coffee you get in most places.
Many
Existing in large number; numerous.
More
Additional; further.
If you run out, there are more bandages in the first aid cupboard.
More people are arriving.
I want more soup.
I need more time.
Many
A retinue of servants; a household.
More
Bigger, stronger, or more valuable.
He is more than the ten years he spent behind bars at our local prison, as he is a changed man and his past does not define him.
Many
The populace; the common people; the majority of people, or of a community.
After him the rascal many ran.
More
To a greater degree or extent.
I like cake, but I like chocolate more.
I could no more climb that than fly!
More advanced students.
I have more than carried out my obligation.
I have no complaints and no more does my mom.
Many
A large or considerable number.
A many of our bodies shall no doubtFind native graves.
Seeing a great many in rich gowns.
It will be concluded by many that he lived like an honest man.
He is liable to a great many inconveniences.
More
Used to form the comparative form of adjectives and adverbs.
You're more beautiful than I ever imagined.
Many
Consisting of a great number; numerous; not few.
Thou shalt be a father of many nations.
Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
More
In negative constructions: any further, any longer; any more.
Many
A quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by `as' or `too' or `so' or `that'; amounting to a large but indefinite number;
Many temptations
The temptations are many
A good many
A great many
Many directions
Take as many apples as you like
Too many clouds to see
Never saw so many people
More
Used in addition to an inflected comparative form.
I was more better at English than you.
More
A greater number or quantity (of something).
We're running out of napkins. I should have bought more.
There isn't enough salt in this. You need to add more.
More
An extra or additional quantity (of something).
There aren't many people here yet, but more should be arriving soon.
More
Comparative of many
Last year’s applications received from new and returning students were more than each of the previous four years.
More
Comparative of much
More
(obsolete) A carrot; a parsnip.
More
(dialectal) A root; stock.
More
(dialectal) A plant; flower; shrub.
More
(transitive) To root up.
More
A hill.
More
A root.
More
A greater quantity, amount, or number; that which exceeds or surpasses in any way what it is compared with.
And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.
More
That which is in addition; something other and further; an additional or greater amount.
They that would have more and more can never have enough.
O! That pang where more than madness lies.
More
Greater; superior; increased;
He gat more money.
If we procure not to ourselves more woe.
Whilst sisters nine, which dwell on Parnasse height,Do make them music for their more delight.
The more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
Wrong not that wrong with a more contempt.
More
Greater in number; exceeding in numbers; - with the plural.
The people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we.
More
Additional; other; as, he wept because there were no more worlds to conquer.
With open arms received one poet more.
More
In a greater quantity; in or to a greater extent or degree.
Admiring moreThe riches of Heaven's pavement.
More
With an adjective or adverb (instead of the suffix -er) to form the comparative degree; as, more durable; more active; more sweetly.
Happy here, and more happy hereafter.
The duke of MilanAnd his more braver daughter.
More
In addition; further; besides; again.
Yet once more, O ye laurels, and once more,Ye myrtles brown, with ivy never sere,I come to pluck your berries harsh and crude.
Those oracles which set the world in flames,Nor ceased to burn till kingdoms were no more.
More
To make more; to increase.
More
English statesman who opposed Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon and was imprisoned and beheaded; recalled for his concept of Utopia, the ideal state
More
(comparative of `much' used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree;
More land
More support
More rain fell
More than a gallon
More
(comparative of `many' used with count nouns) quantifier meaning greater in number;
A hall with more seats
We have no more bananas
More than one
More
Existing or coming by way of addition;
An additional problem
Further information
There will be further delays
Took more time
More
Used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs;
More interesting
More beautiful
More quickly
More
Comparative of much; to a greater degree or extent;
He works more now
They eat more than they should
More
Works with countable and uncountable nouns.
More sugar will make the tea too sweet.
Common Curiosities
When should I use 'many'?
Use "many" when referring to a large but unspecified number of countable items, particularly in questions or negative statements.
Can 'more' apply to uncountable nouns?
Yes, "more" can modify both countable and uncountable nouns, making it versatile for indicating an increased amount or degree.
How does 'more' function grammatically?
"More" can serve as an adjective, adverb, or pronoun, adapting to different contexts to express a comparative increase.
Can 'many' and 'more' be used interchangeably?
No, they cannot be used interchangeably as "many" emphasizes quantity without comparison, and "more" is specifically comparative.
What are examples of 'many' and 'more' in questions?
For "many": "How many apples are there?" For "more": "Who has more apples?"
What is the difference between 'many' and 'more'?
"Many" refers to a large number in an absolute sense, while "more" is used comparatively to indicate an increase or a greater quantity relative to something else.
How do 'many' and 'more' affect the tone of a sentence?
"Many" can imply a sense of abundance or excess, often neutral or positive. "More" can suggest inadequacy in the current amount, pushing for an increase.
Is 'more' always related to comparisons?
Yes, the use of "more" inherently involves a comparison, whether another entity is mentioned directly or the comparison is implied.
Can the use of 'many' or 'more' change the meaning of a sentence significantly?
Yes, choosing between "many" and "more" can change the focus from a general large amount to a specific comparative increase, impacting the information conveyed.
What grammatical errors are common with 'many' and 'more'?
A common mistake is using "many" with uncountable nouns or "more" without a clear comparative context, which can lead to confusion or incorrect information.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
